WTM China Tourism Forum – Experts Share Info

Top experts from tourism bodies and travel companies intimately involved in China are meeting at World Travel Market in London on the 14th of November to discuss the most urgent issues to successfully sell outbound destinations to the Chinese consumers and travel trade. For a full day, these experts are sharing their case studies with delegates from Europe, America and Africa.

The results of a wide ranging survey of global tourism industry professionals on the future of tourism from China will be shared with delegates during the forum. Initial findings show that over 70% of respondents believe that the Chinese outbound travel market will have a major effect on the way the international travel industry operates.

This year the forum focuses on marketing and sales strategies for destinations and suppliers and best case studies for hospitality and service to Chinese customers. The forum will open with a special presentation from PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) President and CEO, Peter de Jong.

• Eminent expert and academic Professor Wolfgang Arlt is unveiling the new quality label for hospitality to Chinese visitors.

• Rosita Yiu heads Accor Hotels’ Asian sales. She shares her experience of marketing accommodation to Chinese visitors and participates in the panel discussion on hospitality for Chinese visitors.

• Brenda He is Beijing based GM of TLM China. With over 16 years of China travel industry experience in Kempinski hotels, Thai airways and Rosenbluth business travel, she now provides representation services for Amari Hotels Group, Bangkok Airways, Royal Orchid Holidays and Tourist Authority of Thailand.

A special session on the link between sports and tourism will provide an opportunity to hear bodies involved in the Olympic games and the promotion of football and other sports events. There is a fast growing market in China for sports which can be used by destinations to attract more visitors from China.

• Sportsworld is the official ticket agent for the Beijing Olympic Games and official China agent for the Wimbledon lawn tennis tournament. Chad Lion-Cachet, CEO talks about their experiences of operating in this emerging market for sports tourism services.

• Sandie Dawe of VisitBritain and Martine Ainsworth Wells of Visit London discuss the Olympics related marketing and sales campaigns that will help attract many more Chinese to Britain from 2008.

• Steve Bellis, Director of Lynx International Group talks about his role in China promoting the game of football and UK football clubs.

The final session of the day allows the delegate to pick the brains of the expert panel and hear practical advice on how their destination or business stands to benefit from Chinese tourists. Detailed survey results will be discussed and delegates will have the opportunity to find out how they can obtain a Chinese hospitality quality label.

“More than 15 Chinese travel agents from a number of source markets in China will be networking with the forum delegates during an authentic Chinese lunch buffet. They have come especially to visit WTM and tour the UK as part of a VisitBritain supported educational tour, with the sponsorship of regional tourism boards” said Roy Graff, the forum director.

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During World Travel Market’s first two days (12,13 November), further information and registration details can be obtained from the PATA stand (AS4450) or by telephone at +44 (0)7821 093199 / +44 (0)7972 113412